European Union

The National Bank of Ukraine has strengthened the official hryvnia exchange rate by 14 kopecks to 42. 0325 UAH/USD. On the interbank market, the dollar is trading at UAH 41.99-42.02, the euro at UAH 43.77-43.79.

President Zelenskyy has outlined the conditions for starting negotiations with Russia. The key requirements are security guarantees and the withdrawal of Russian troops to their positions by February 24, 2022.

NATO's Steadfast Dart 25 exercise begins in Romania. Starting January 22, the country will receive British military equipment, and in early February - French.

European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis has announced financial assistance to Ukraine through the G7 ERA and Ukraine Facility. The funds will be used for the priority needs of the state budget and economic programs.

Kaja Kallas reported on intelligence forecasts of possible Russian aggression against the EU in 3-5 years.

Defense Minister Umerov announced the possibility of reaching a production capacity of €34 billion in 2025. This requires €18 billion in financing, technology transfer, and partnerships with European companies.

The EU is facing a new confrontation over Orban's refusal to sign the extension of sanctions against Russia. The Hungarian prime minister criticizes the sanctions regime and calls for the resumption of relations with Russia without restrictions.

The NBU has set the official exchange rate at 42. 17 UAH/USD, up 1 kopeck from the previous rate. In banks and exchange offices, the dollar can be purchased for UAH 42.40-42.60, and the euro for UAH 44.00-44.20.

The Slovak opposition has withdrawn a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Robert Fico over his attempt to make the session closed. The opposition promised to initiate a new attempt to dismiss the government soon.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed dissatisfaction with Ukraine's decision to stop gas transit from 2025. He announced Budapest's possible response and spoke against Ukraine's rapid membership in the EU.

Zelenskyy and Rama signed an agreement in Davos on 10 years of cooperation between the countries. Albania will provide military assistance and support the training of Ukrainian pilots for F-16s.

On February 13-14, 2025, Ukraine will host the largest conference for entrepreneurs on entering foreign markets. Mind Export Summit 2025 will discuss export strategies, grant opportunities, and share practical experience.

The President of Ukraine called on Europe to abandon Russian gas and strengthen its energy independence. He also emphasized the importance of the EU's technological development and strengthening the continent's security.

Ukraine will receive €30. 6 billion in budget support from the EU in 2025 through various sources of funding. The funds will be used for the priority needs of the state budget, including social and economic programs.

Europe has reduced gas imports from Russia by 75%, oil by 3%, and coal by zero. In February, the EU will present a clean energy development plan to reduce prices and increase energy independence.

Donald Trump plans to impose new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, and threatens to impose 100% tariffs on China's TikTok. The US President announced the use of tariffs as the main instrument of international economic policy.

Donald Trump officially took office as President of the United States on January 20, 2025. The leaders of Canada, the United Kingdom, the EU, NATO, and Finland have sent congratulations and expressed their willingness to cooperate.

President of Ukraine met with Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis. The parties discussed military assistance, sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Facebook, X, YouTube, and other tech companies have joined the EU's updated code of conduct on combating hate speech. The companies pledged to respond to complaints faster and implement automatic tools to detect harmful content.

Former Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz called it a mistake to link Ukraine's accession to international organizations to the issue of exhumation in Volyn. He also noted that Zelenskyy's visit showed that this issue was not resolved.

Georgia has 18 official holidays a year, the most in Europe. In 2024, a new holiday was added on May 17 - the Day of Family and Parental Respect.

Today is the inauguration of Donald Trump, after which he plans to sign about 100 executive orders. The EU is preparing for potential changes in trade, climate policy, and its position on Ukraine.

Maia Sandu announced her readiness to provide financial and humanitarian assistance to Transnistria to overcome the energy crisis.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called the visit of opposition MPs to Kyiv a “gesture of sycophancy. ” He said that he would not support Ukraine's membership in NATO and threatened to veto further EU aid to Kyiv.

About 200,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their country since the fall of the Assad regime. Most refugees left Syria because of repression and are now returning because of instability in neighboring countries.

The first meeting in the Ukraine-Southeast Europe format was held in Kyiv with the participation of foreign ministers from 9 countries. They discussed defense, demining and support for Ukraine on its way to the EU.

The first Embassy of the Republic of Albania has started working in Kyiv. At the opening ceremony, the foreign ministers of both countries discussed deepening cooperation and a common future in the EU and NATO.

A Belgian royal decree dating back to World War II could help preserve frozen Russian assets in the event of a Hungarian veto. Orban threatens to block the extension of EU sanctions, waiting for Trump's position.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the Healthcare System Development Strategy until 2030 with three key goals. The plan calls for restoring Okhmatdyt, creating 300 rehabilitation spaces, and expanding services for veterans.

The first ministerial meeting between Ukraine and Southeast Europe was held in Kyiv, where a joint communiqué was adopted. The document reaffirms support for Ukraine and calls for strengthening the region's energy security.